Early reviews of the new Ghostbusters keep trickling in, and while the reactions are not overwhelmingly positive, most critics agree that the funny foursome of McCarthy, McKinnon, Wiig and Jones make it work a watch. Though “Ghostbros” across the nation will undoubtedly be distressed by this news, this film signifies what all reboots should strive to be in the Hollywood hodge-podge of half-assed remakes.
As Oscar-winning classic Ben-Hur gets the action and effects-heavy 300 treatment (no offense, Zack Snyder), Paul Feig’s rendition of the 1984 ‘busters is the rare reboot that, haters be damned, blazes its own trail with a fresh take and a great cast. With that in mind, here are five ‘80s gems that we’d love to see get a kickass, female-led reboot. Because girls rule, boys drool and a female-led Beverly Hills Cop reboot just sounds awesome.
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
The possibilities are endless: Should you go the SNL route and cast Cecily Strong and Vanessa Bayer, or pair up two relative unknowns like the original Bill and Ted? It’s the consummate buddy movie, and with the right director, an update of this 1989 cult classic could be something special, dude.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Ferris Bueller is a character with multigenerational appeal, and it would be fun and exciting to see a modern actress make the role their own. My recommendation? Anna Kendrick (and not just because she’d nail the parade scene).
Beverly Hills Cop
Paul Feig’s The Heat was not only one of the best comedies of 2013—it solidified Feig as a top-notch comedy director. Beverly Hills Cop is the classic cop comedy, and if he were to undertake another reboot, Feig should look no further than this Eddie Murphy classic. Plus, his Ghostbusters colleague Leslie Jones would be the perfect Axel Foley.
Back to the Future
Step one: Convince Helena Bonham Carter to play Doc Brown. Step two: Cast You’re the Worst’s Aya Cash as the new Marty McFly. Wait no: maybe Tessa Thompson? Rose McIver? You could go a lot of directions with this one—and none of them are bad options.
Beetlejuice
Full disclosure: I’ve wanted a Beetlejuice sequel ever since I stayed up late to catch the movie on TV even though the creepy Keaton had me and my brother running to our parents’ room. But a reboot would be just as nice, if only to see what a brilliant actor like Emma Thompson could do with the loony and ludicrous title character.
